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Progression throughout your career

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Learning and Development

Personal Development and Review System (PDRS)

Following a successful training programme in 2007 the Personal Development Review System (PDRS) was implemented with effect from April 2008. Following the training, continuous professional development (CPD) and Working Time legislation was added to the PDRS process which provided us with another challenge – how do we collect this information and ensure it reaches the rightful owners? The Learning and Development Team implemented an electronic system which provides feedback to the managers, individuals and is collated in such a way that payroll and Audit could manipulate the data effectively. These electronic forms were very well received by all users – especially station based personnel!

At the end of July 2008 only 42% of returns had been received - this was a very disappointing result, but one which made the team more determined to encourage all staff to participate in their own learning and development. By the end of December 2008 this figure rose to a staggering 95% !

The PDRS outcomes were very encouraging showing that the majority of managers had spent a significant amount of preparation time to carry out these interviews ensuring their team(s) were afforded the opportunity to identify and discuss fully their future training and development needs.

The requests for learning and development ranged from operational training, supervisory and managerial skills, specialist training ie water rescue, and animal handling. IT training and enhanced technology skills were also frequently requested and have been included in our Training Programme for 2009/2010.    

Management development was also at the forefront of these requests, showing that many staff are considering their future career needs. Following these PDR requests the Training Department have been able to support these requests by accessing local funding and collaboration arrangements with external training providers, local colleges and universities.

Feedback has been given to all managers and staff alike and a high proportion of these requests have been actioned and included within the Training Needs Analysis for the forthcoming year. Other adhoc requests are being considered and should be programmed within the next 12 – 18 months, subject as always to budget availability.

Finally, please remember that PDRS is owned by every member of staff within the Service.   Interviews are due to take place between April and June each year. Please ensure that you have your say for your learning and development and make a difference!